Emergency drive module, actuating drive, and assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an emergency drive module (10) for an actuating drive in the field of automation, in particular for the linear actuation of a fitting, comprising: a mechanical energy store (11); a first actuator (12.1) and a second actuator (12.2), the first actuator and the second actuator being designed to be driven apart by the energy stored in the energy store (11) when the emergency drive module (10) is triggered in order to actuate an actuating element of a fitting; a dynamics control device which is designed to control the dynamics of the emergency travel of an actuating element of the fitting when the emergency drive module is triggered; and an emergency drive housing (20), in which the mechanical energy store (11), the first actuator (12.1), the second actuator (12.2), and the dynamics control device are provided, a controlled variable of the dynamics control device being adjustable by means of an adjusting element in the event of an emergency drive in the tensioned and mounted state.

Description

[0001] PC 25 2332 C 9 December 2025

[0002] Emergency drive module, actuator and assembly

[0003] The invention relates to an emergency drive module of an actuator for automation technology for actuating a valve in a channel, such an actuator, and an assembly comprising such an actuator and such a valve. Examples are shown in EP4146966B1.

[0004] Such emergency drive modules are important, for example, when it is essential for an industrial plant that, in the event of a power outage, a valve is moved to a safe state by an actuator. Such a state could mean, for example, that the valve is set to open or closed.

[0005] The dynamics of the emergency drive can typically be adjusted during manufacturing via current controllers in the emergency drive module. These controllers regulate the fluid flow between two chambers caused by the emergency drive, a fluid flow that presents a resistance to the emergency drive. These current controllers are housed within the emergency drive unit and are inaccessible from the outside, ensuring that the controlled variable is not, or only minimally, dependent on external influences. However, this necessitates that the controlled variable be adjusted during the manufacturing of the emergency drive module itself.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an emergency drive module in which greater flexibility is given in the scalability of the controlled variable.

[0007] The problem is solved by an emergency drive module according to independent claim 1, by an actuator according to independent claim 10, and by an assembly according to independent claim 12. PC 25 2332 C 2 / 21 9 December 2025

[0008] An emergency drive module for an actuator in automation technology, for the linear actuation of a valve, comprises a mechanical energy storage device; a first actuator and a second actuator, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be driven apart by the energy stored in the energy storage device when the emergency drive module is triggered, in order to actuate an actuator of a valve; a dynamic control device, which is configured to control the dynamics of the emergency movement of an actuator of the valve when the emergency drive module is triggered;an emergency drive housing in which the mechanical energy storage device, the first actuator, the second actuator and the dynamic control device are arranged, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are movable relative to the emergency drive housing, wherein interval limits of the mobility define end positions of movement, wherein a controlled variable of the dynamic control device is adjustable by means of an adjusting element when the following adjusting conditions are met: the emergency drive module is in a tensioned state, the first actuator and the second actuator are in one of the end positions of movement, and in particular the emergency drive module is in a mounted position;

[0009] Condition .

[0010] In one embodiment, the setting element is for PC 25 2332 C 3 / 21 9 December 2025

[0011] The unit is designed to be adjustable, assuming a customer-accessible position when the adjustment conditions are met, and / or to engage an adjustment mechanism of the dynamic control device, or to be transferable into an engagement position for the purpose of operating the adjustment mechanism.

[0012] According to the first alternative, the adjustment element can be carried along during an emergency run. In the second alternative, the adjustment element engages an adjustment mechanism, with the engagement disengaging during the emergency run. In the third alternative, the adjustment element only engages the adjustment mechanism when actuated by the customer. This ensures a high level of safety regarding unintentional incorrect settings.

[0013] In one embodiment, the adjusting element extends from the emergency drive housing and, in particular, the adjusting element seals tightly with the emergency drive housing, preferably in an air- and oil-tight manner.

[0014] This ensures easier customer operation; the tight seal prevents unwanted substances from entering the interior of the emergency drive housing.

[0015] In one embodiment, the controlled variable is a speed of emergency driving and / or an acceleration of emergency driving.

[0016] In one embodiment, the dynamic control device has a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber and an overflow channel, wherein the overflow channel is configured to allow a fluid flow from the first fluid chamber into the second fluid chamber, and wherein, upon activation of the emergency drive module, a pneumatic or hydraulic fluid located in the first fluid chamber is directed through the overflow channel into the second fluid chamber.

[0017] In one embodiment, the flow resistance of the overflow channel can be adjusted, for example, by changing the flow cross-section.

[0018] In one embodiment, the dynamic control device has a particularly self-regulating flow control valve, which is designed to keep the controlled variable constant.

[0019] In one embodiment, the emergency drive module comprises a first actuator and a second actuator as well as an emergency drive spindle, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be driven apart parallel to an emergency drive spindle axis when triggered by the energy storage device in order to actuate the actuator of a valve, wherein the first actuator or the second actuator is connected to the emergency drive spindle, and wherein the respective other actuator is configured to be connected to the actuator.

[0020] For example, by selecting the first actuator or the second actuator to connect the emergency drive spindle, the direction of operation of the emergency drive can be set.

[0021] In one embodiment, during standard operation the first actuator and the second actuator are interlocked, as per PC 25 2332 C 5 / 21 9 December 2025, so that the energy storage device is held in a tensioned state.

[0022] An actuator according to the invention comprises: an electric motor; a gearbox; an electronic operating circuit for operating the electric motor; wherein the electric motor is configured to transmit a torque to the emergency drive spindle via the gearbox; an emergency drive module according to the invention, wherein the emergency drive module is connected to the electric motor via the emergency drive spindle.

[0023] In one embodiment, the actuator has a housing arrangement with at least one actuator housing, wherein the electric motor, the gearbox, the output, the electronic operating circuit, and in particular the emergency drive module are arranged in the housing arrangement.

[0024] An assembly according to the invention comprises an actuator according to the invention; a valve comprising an actuating element; wherein the emergency drive module is connected to the emergency drive spindle of the actuator via the first actuator or the second actuator, PC 25 2332 C 6 / 21 9 December 2025 and wherein the emergency drive module is connected to the actuating element of the valve via the other actuator.

[0025] The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Figs. 1 a) and 1b) show schematic sketches of a functional structure of an exemplary emergency drive module;

[0027] Figs. 2 a) and 2 c) show a longitudinal section through an exemplary dynamic control device of an energy storage device according to the invention, and Fig. 2 b) shows a longitudinal section of an exemplary energy storage device according to the invention;

[0028] Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section of an exemplary energy storage device according to the invention and an exemplary dynamic control device of the energy storage device according to the invention;

[0029] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary assembly according to the invention comprising an actuator according to the invention and a fitting.

[0030] Figures 1a) and 1b) each show a schematic sketch of the functional structure of an exemplary emergency drive module 10 for an actuator 1 of automation technology, comprising a first actuator 12.1 and a second actuator 12.2, each mounted on two guide rails 15. A mechanical energy storage device 11 is arranged between the first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2 to move them apart when the emergency drive module is triggered. The guide rails are supported by an emergency drive housing 20. The first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2 are movable along the guide rails relative to the emergency drive housing 20 and are moved to actuate the valve during normal operation. Limits of the movement range define the end positions of the movement.

[0031] As shown here, the first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2 can each have three bearings 16 by means of which they are mounted on the rails, with the bearings 16 or the bearing points 16 being distributed on both rails.

[0032] An emergency drive spindle 13, which is configured to be connected to a gearbox 3 (Fig. 4) of the actuator, is connected to either the first actuator 12.1 or the second actuator 12.2 via a spindle nut 17. The first actuator has a through-opening 12.31, and the second actuator has a through-opening 12.32, with the spindle nut 17 being firmly seated in the through-opening 12.31 or 12.32 of the respective actuator, i.e., in the through-opening of the first actuator 12.1 or the second actuator 12.2.

[0033] An axially fixed and rotationally free connection or bearing is provided between the spindle nut 17 and the unactuated emergency drive spindle. This allows the respective actuator to be moved axially by rotating the emergency drive spindle 13 when the emergency drive spindle is actuated, and consequently, an actuating element 101 of the valve 100 can be actuated via the other actuator. In normal operation, the first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2 are locked by means of a locking mechanism 19, so that actuating the emergency drive spindle results in a joint movement of both actuators 12.1 and 12.2. The other actuator can be connected to an actuating element 101 of a valve 100, for example, by means of a push rod 14, as shown here. The locking mechanism can be, for example, PC 25 2332 C 8 / 21 9.December 2025, it will be a mechanical mechanism such as a latching mechanism, or an electromagnetic locking mechanism, in which an electromagnetic force between two elements of the locking mechanism is canceled in the event of a power failure.

[0034] For example, an emergency travel direction of the valve 100 parallel to the emergency drive spindle axis AS can be configured. This can be done, for example, by selecting the actuator in whose through-opening 12.31, 12.32 the spindle nut 17 is inserted.

[0035] In the example shown in Fig. 1 a), the spindle nut 17 is inserted in the through-opening 12.32 of the second actuator 12.2, which faces the fitting 100. The resulting axial fixation of the second actuator when the emergency drive spindle 13 is not actuated leads to a movement of the first actuator 12.1 away from the fitting when the emergency drive module 10 is triggered.

[0036] When the spindle nut 17 is inserted into the through-opening 12.31 of the first actuator 12.1 as shown in Fig. 1 b), the first actuator is axially fixed, so that when the emergency drive module is triggered, the second actuator moves towards the fitting.

[0037] The push rod 14 is connected to the actuator 12.1, 12.2 and axially fixed, which does not accommodate the spindle nut 17 in its through-opening 12.3.

[0038] Figs. 2 a) and 2 c) each show a longitudinal section through an exemplary dynamic control device 18 of an energy storage device, and Fig. 2 b) shows a longitudinal section of an exemplary mechanical energy storage device 11 according to the invention.

[0039] The energy storage device 11, as shown in Fig. 2 b), has a PC 25 2332 C 9 / 21 9 December 2025

[0040] Spring device 11.1 with a spring 11.11 and two base plates 11.12, between which the spring is arranged. The base plates are designed to absorb the mechanical tension of the spring and transmit it to the first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2. Alternatively, the first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2 can each have a device for receiving the spring. Other components, such as support rings, can be used as an alternative to base plates.

[0041] According to the invention, as sketched in Fig. 2 a) or 2 c), a dynamic control device 18 is provided, which is configured to control the expansion dynamics of the first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2. A controlled variable can be, for example, a velocity or an acceleration of the expansion. For example, the dynamic control device 18 can be configured to keep one of the two aforementioned controlled variables constant, at least section by section. This can be achieved, for example, via a flow controller 18.2, which regulates the flow of a fluid, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid, through an overflow channel 18.21, for example from a second fluid chamber 18.12 into a first fluid chamber 18.11, caused by the activation of the emergency drive module, by means of a flow control valve 18.22. The flow control valve 18.22 can be self-regulating.The flow resistance of the overflow channel can be adjusted, for example, by changing the flow cross-section using the flow control valve 18.22.

[0042] A return channel (not shown) may also be provided to allow the fluid to flow back into the original fluid chamber. The return channel may, for example, include a valve that allows flow in only one direction. PC 25 2332 C 10 / 21 December 9, 2025

[0043] According to the invention, the dynamic control device 18 has an adjustment element 18.23 by means of which the controlled variable can be adjusted when the following conditions are met: the emergency drive module is in a tensioned state, the first actuator and the second actuator are in one of the end positions of movement, and in particular the emergency drive module is in a mounted state.

[0044] For example, the adjusting element can assume a customer-accessible position and / or engage with an adjusting mechanism 18.4 of the dynamic control device, or be transferable into an engagement position as shown in Figures 2 a) and 2 c). A spring mechanism 18.24 can be configured to allow engagement with the adjusting mechanism 18.4 only when the adjusting element is pressed against the spring mechanism. For example, this allows the customer to adjust the controlled variable in the field.

[0045] The dynamic control device 18 can be arranged within the spring device 11.1, as indicated by the arrow. This allows for a compact design.

[0046] The overflow channel can run through the piston as shown by way of example in Fig. 2 a), with the current controller 18.2 being connected to the piston and remaining stationary relative to the piston 18.33 when the emergency drive module is triggered. Alternatively, the current controller PC 25 2332 C 11 / 21 9 December 2025 can be sketched as in Fig. 2 c).

[0047] 18.2 together with the overflow channel next to the piston 18.33 and a cylinder 18.36 surrounding the piston.

[0048] The adjusting element can protrude from the emergency drive housing and, in particular, seal tightly against the emergency drive housing.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows a schematic longitudinal section through an exemplary mechanical energy storage device 11 and through an exemplary dynamic control device 18 according to the invention, as they can be used in an emergency drive module according to the invention. Unlike the one shown in Fig. 2, the energy storage device has a compressed air storage device 11.2 with a compressed air reservoir 11.21 and an outlet valve 11.22. When the emergency drive module is triggered, the outlet valve is opened so that the escaping gas in a cylinder 11.3 acts against a piston 11.4 and thereby drives the first actuator 12.1 and the second actuator 12.2 apart.

[0050] The dynamic control device 18 according to Fig. 2 is arranged here next to the mechanical energy storage device 11, but can also be arranged centrally, for example, in a plurality of compressed air storage devices. An arrangement of the dynamic control device within the compressed air storage device, and thus a possible concentric arrangement of the compressed air storage device and the dynamic control device, is also conceivable. With regard to the geometric arrangement and the number of mechanical energy storage devices and the dynamic control device, the person skilled in the art is not limited to the embodiments shown in Figs. 2a), 2b), 2c), and 3, but can adapt an actual implementation according to their requirements. The exemplary embodiments listed here serve to illustrate the inventive principle. PC 25 2332 C 12 / 21 December 9, 2025

[0051] Fig. 4 sketches an assembly 300 comprising an actuator 1 according to the invention with an emergency drive module according to the invention and a fitting 100 with an actuator 101.

[0052] The actuator 1 comprises an electric motor 2, a gearbox 3, and an electronic operating circuit 4 for operating the electric motor. The electric motor is configured to transmit torque to the emergency drive spindle 13 via the gearbox. This torque moves the actuator pair, first actuator 12.1 (Fig. 1a), 1b) ) and second actuator 12.2 (Fig. 1a), 1b) ) parallel to the emergency drive spindle axis to actuate the actuator 101 of the valve. The gearbox 3 can, for example, consist of a worm gear, a planetary gear stage, or a gear. The valve can be a gate valve, as shown here by way of example and schematically. For instance, a gearbox can be used that converts the linear movement of the push rod into a pivoting movement, for example, to actuate a flap valve or a ball valve.The fitting can be configured to regulate the flow of media in a pipe 200 or a channel, as shown here, for example.

[0053] PC 25 2332 C 13 / 21 9 December 2025

[0054] Reference symbol list

[0055] 1. Actuator for automation technology

[0056] 2 electric motors

[0057] 3 gearboxes

[0058] 4 electronic operating circuit

[0059] 6 Housing arrangement

[0060] 6.1 Actuator housing

[0061] 10 Emergency drive module

[0062] 11 mechanical energy storage

[0063] 11.1 Spring device

[0064] 11.11 Feather

[0065] 11. 12 Base plate

[0066] 11.121 Opening

[0067] 11.2 Compressed air storage device

[0068] 11. 21 Exhaust valve

[0069] 11.3 cylinders

[0070] 11.4 pistons

[0071] 12.1 First Actuator

[0072] 12.2 Second actuator PC 25 2332 C 14 / 21 December 9, 2025

[0073] 12.31 Through-opening of the first actuator

[0074] 12.32 Through-opening of the second actuator

[0075] 13 No drive spindle

[0076] 14 Push rod 15 Guide rails

[0077] 16 warehouses

[0078] 17 Spindle nut

[0079] 18 Dynamic control device

[0080] 18.11 first fluid chamber 18.12 second fluid chamber

[0081] 18.2 Current regulator

[0082] 18.21 Overflow channel

[0083] 18.22 Flow control valve

[0084] 18.23 Adjustment element 18.24 Spring mechanism

[0085] 18.31 first cylinder

[0086] 18.32 second cylinder

[0087] 18.33 pistons

[0088] 18.34 Piston rod PC 25 2332 C 15 / 21 9 December 2025

[0089] 18.35 Sealing device

[0090] 18.36 cylinders

[0091] 18.4 Adjustment mechanism

[0092] 19 Locking mechanism 20 Emergency drive housing

[0093] 21 Fastening element

[0094] 100 fittings

[0095] 101 Actuator

[0096] 200 Channel / Pipeline 300 Assembly

[0097] SS valve actuation axis

[0098] AS No t ant ri ebs spinde lachse

Claims

PC 25 2332 C 16 / 21 December 9, 2025 Patent claims 1. Emergency drive module (10) for an actuator (1) of automation technology for the linear actuation of a valve (101), comprising: a mechanical energy storage device (11); a first actuator (12.1) and a second actuator (12.2), wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be driven apart by the energy stored in the energy storage device (11) when the emergency drive module (10) is triggered, in order to actuate an actuator (101) of a valve (100); a dynamic control device (18) which is configured to control the dynamics of the emergency movement of an actuator of the valve (100) when the emergency drive module is triggered; an emergency drive housing (20) in which the mechanical energy storage device (11), the first actuator (12.1), the second actuator (12.2) are housed.2) and the dynamic control device (18) are arranged, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are movable relative to the emergency drive housing, wherein interval limits of the mobility define end positions of movement, characterized in that a controlled variable of the dynamic control device (18) is adjustable by means of an adjusting element (18.23) when the following adjusting conditions are met: the emergency drive module is in a tensioned state, the first actuator and the second actuator are in one of the. located at the end positions of movement, PC 25 2332 C 17 / 21 December 9, 2025 and in particular the emergency drive module is in a mounted state.

2. Emergency drive module according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting element (18.23) is configured to assume a customer-accessible position when the adjusting conditions are met and / or to engage in an adjusting mechanism (18.4) of the dynamic control device (18) to intervene or to enter an engagement position for the purpose of operating the adjustment mechanism (18.4) be prosecutable.

3. Emergency drive module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adjusting element protrudes from the emergency drive housing and in particular seals tightly with the emergency drive housing.

4. Emergency drive module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controlled variable is an emergency speed and / or an emergency acceleration.

5. Emergency drive module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dynamic control device comprises a first fluid chamber and an overflow channel, wherein the overflow channel is configured to allow a fluid flow from the first fluid chamber into a second fluid chamber, PC 25 2332 C 18 / 21 9 December 2025 wherein, upon activation of the emergency drive module, pneumatic or hydraulic fluid located in the first fluid chamber is directed through the overflow channel into the second fluid chamber.

6. Emergency drive module according to claim 5, wherein a flow resistance of the overflow channel is adjustable, for example by changing a flow cross-section.

7. Emergency drive module according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the dynamic control device comprises a particularly self-regulating flow control valve which is configured to keep the controlled variable constant.

8. Emergency drive module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the emergency drive module comprises a first actuator and a second actuator as well as an emergency drive spindle, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be driven apart parallel to an emergency drive spindle axis when triggered by the energy storage device in order to actuate the actuator of a valve, wherein the first actuator or the second actuator is connected to the emergency drive spindle, and wherein the respective other actuator is configured to be connected to the actuator.

9. Emergency drive module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein during standard operation the first actuator and the second actuator are interlocked and the PC 25 2332 C 19 / 21 December 9, 2025 Energy storage devices are held in a charged state.

10. Actuator for actuating a valve comprising: an electric motor; a gearbox; an electronic operating circuit for operating the electric motor; wherein the electric motor is configured to transmit a torque to the emergency drive spindle via the gearbox; an emergency drive module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the emergency drive module is connected to the electric motor via the emergency drive spindle.

11. Actuator according to claim 10, wherein the actuator has a housing arrangement with at least one actuator housing, wherein the electric motor, the gearbox, the output and the electronic operating circuit and in particular the emergency drive module are arranged in the housing arrangement.

12. Assembly comprising: an actuator according to claim 10 or 11; a valve comprising an actuator; wherein the emergency drive module is connected to the emergency drive spindle of the actuator via the first actuator or the second actuator. PC 25 2332 C 20 / 21 9 December 2025 is connected, and wherein the emergency drive module is connected to the actuator of the valve via the other actuator.

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